The Fast and Furious franchise is now world-famous. Starting simply as a film based on racers and fast cars, the franchise evolved so much that it even managed to send its characters to space! Suffice it to say the franchise has come a long way from its humble street racing origins and has managed to keep its audience hooked throughout. Having made its debut back in 2001, the franchise is now coming to the end of its long road and has announced that it will be permanently shutting its doors with a final two-part finale.
The first installment of the franchise’s last chapter, officially titled Fast X, began production in April 2022. As the release date for the film draws closer, and the saga having seemingly covered every action-packed scenario that fans can think of, many have been wondering what the final movies of the franchise may hold. With fans who have loyally followed the saga for over two decades, the closing chapter has much to live up to. From what we know of the film, here are a few key things we can look forward to in Fast X.
Back to the Roots
Despite the initial films of the franchise focusing mainly on the street-racing aspect that brought the Fast & Furious films its reputation, the franchise gradually drifted away from the streets. As the franchise progressed, the films gravitated more towards the action thriller genre, with less of a focus on actual street racing. However, the trailer released for Fast X hints that Dom and his crew may return to their roots, which we can look forward to.
The themes of family and racing were two features that were imperative in creating such a large and loyal fandom for the Fast & Furious franchise. The compelling storylines built on these bases have kept fans hooked on the franchise for years. Given this, when the saga strayed from its building block of street racing, although consistently protecting its theme of family, the franchise drew a fair amount of criticism. However, for fans who have yearned to see street racing become a focal point of the franchise yet again, Fast X looks like the answer. The new director of the franchise, Louis Leterrier, who is directing a Fast & Furious film for the first time, told Total Film:
"As a fan, there’s some stuff that I really wanted back from the franchise – the street races [were one]. That’s the fun of it all: when you’re the head of a movie [series] that you’ve admired and have been a fan of for so many years, you get to bring your fantasies to life!"
A Tribute to Paul Walker
With the road drawing to an end for the franchise, fans haven’t forgotten about one of the integral actors of the saga, Paul Walker. Unfortunately, the actor passed away in a shockingly tragic car accident in 2013. However, despite the actor’s absence, the franchise has ensured that Paul remained a part of the movies in one way or another. Given this, a tribute to Paul Walker will most probably be another key thing that we can look forward to in Fast X. Although it remains to be seen how exactly Fast X will remember Paul, star Vin Diesel has promised that the franchise will bid adieu to Paul Walker’s character Brian O’Connor before the saga comes to an end.
A possibility also remains that the tribute to Paul Walker may take on the shape of his daughter, Meadow. Despite her father’s demise, Meadow has maintained a close relationship with Vin Diesel, who is also her godfather, and the Fast franchise. Talking to E! News in 2021 regarding the possibility of Meadow making an appearance in the Fast & Furious films, Diesel said, “I would not count anything out…without giving you all of the secrets of Fast 10. Let’s just say nothing's ruled out.”
Daredevil Stunts
Adrenaline-inducing stunts have never been a stranger to the Fast franchise. From the get-go, the franchise made a name for itself thanks to the daredevil escapades of the crew. While fans are used to seeing the familiar faces get themselves into action-packed tangles, the new additions to the cast list are bound to bring a fresh rush of adrenaline to the latest film. With the new movie having promised to push action further than ever before, it remains to be seen what more a franchise that not even space has been the limit for can bring us.
Many new additions to the cast list are well-versed in the action genre. Brie Larson, who is set to take on the role of Mr. Nobody’s daughter, and Jason Momoa, the franchise's new villain, both have backgrounds in superhero films. Larson has previously been Captain Marvel, and Momoa has ruled the seas as Aquaman, both roles putting the actors in the path of enough and more action. However, despite a background in action films, Momoa was still surprised by the stunts he was allowed to perform himself in Fast X. “This is full adrenaline…it rules,” said the actor, hinting at the amount of action that the new installment of the franchise might bring.
There is undoubtedly quite a bit of ground to cover and a lot that we can look forward to in the new Fast & Furious film. Given the reputation of previous films and the teaser from the trailer of the new movie, it is highly unlikely that Fast X will disappoint. With the film scheduled to open in cinemas on May 19, the wait isn’t too long for us to see what exactly Fast X has in store.